Masao Kusakari
Description
Masao Kusakari is a Japanese actor and voice actor born on September 5, 1952 in Kokura, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. His career in entertainment began after he was scouted to become a model, notably working as a exclusive model for Shiseido where he gained popularity for his appearance and light-hearted delivery. After his modeling contract ended, he moved into acting, studying at the training institute run by Mariko Nonaka to refine his skills.
Kusakari made his acting debut in 1974 with a role in the film Himiko. That same year, he took on the part that would become one of his signature live-action roles, playing the famed swordsman Okita Soji in the film The Last Swordsman. His performance left a lasting impression, establishing the image of Okita Soji as a handsome figure in popular culture. Kusakari is of Japanese and American heritage, with a tall stature and striking features that have often led him to be cast in roles portraying aristocrats or wealthy businessmen. Over his long career, he has actively sought to break free from his handsome image by taking on comedic roles or characters with unusual traits. He is the father of actress Mau Kusakari, who is also in the entertainment industry.
While primarily known as a live-action actor with over one hundred film and television credits, Kusakari has also contributed to animated works as a voice actor. One of his notable voice roles is Ama no Yumihiko in the 1978 anime series The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn. This series is based on the first story arc of Osamu Tezuka's epic manga The Phoenix, and Kusakari played the supporting role of Yumihiko.
His other voice acting credits include a role in the 2005 film Black Jack: The Two Doctors of Mystery, as well as providing the Japanese dub voice for the character AUTO in the 2008 Disney-Pixar film WALL-E. It should be noted that the body of his voice acting work is relatively small compared to his extensive filmography as a screen actor. His professional achievements have been recognized early in his career; in 1975, he received the Elan d'Or Award for Newcomer of the Year for his high level of activity and performances in several films the previous year.
Kusakari made his acting debut in 1974 with a role in the film Himiko. That same year, he took on the part that would become one of his signature live-action roles, playing the famed swordsman Okita Soji in the film The Last Swordsman. His performance left a lasting impression, establishing the image of Okita Soji as a handsome figure in popular culture. Kusakari is of Japanese and American heritage, with a tall stature and striking features that have often led him to be cast in roles portraying aristocrats or wealthy businessmen. Over his long career, he has actively sought to break free from his handsome image by taking on comedic roles or characters with unusual traits. He is the father of actress Mau Kusakari, who is also in the entertainment industry.
While primarily known as a live-action actor with over one hundred film and television credits, Kusakari has also contributed to animated works as a voice actor. One of his notable voice roles is Ama no Yumihiko in the 1978 anime series The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn. This series is based on the first story arc of Osamu Tezuka's epic manga The Phoenix, and Kusakari played the supporting role of Yumihiko.
His other voice acting credits include a role in the 2005 film Black Jack: The Two Doctors of Mystery, as well as providing the Japanese dub voice for the character AUTO in the 2008 Disney-Pixar film WALL-E. It should be noted that the body of his voice acting work is relatively small compared to his extensive filmography as a screen actor. His professional achievements have been recognized early in his career; in 1975, he received the Elan d'Or Award for Newcomer of the Year for his high level of activity and performances in several films the previous year.
All Characters
- JapaneseAnime overview: The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn